A Korean Air flight preparing for takeoff at Jeju International Airport was delayed for more than an hour after a passenger tampered with an emergency exit handle out of curiosity, police said Thursday.
According to local police and Korean Air officials, the incident occurred on Flight KE 1326 from Jeju to Gimpo at around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday. While being guided by the crew about the location of emergency exits, a man in his 30s interfered with the emergency exit door handle, causing the exit cover to detach and fall.
This led to a confrontation between the passenger and the flight crew. Police were dispatched and removed the man from the plane. The passenger, after undergoing questioning by the authorities, was released, as it was determined that he had no intent of terrorism or violation of the Aviation Security Act.
The plane departed an hour behind schedule.
“This was determined to be an incident driven by simple curiosity,” a Korean Air official said. “Passengers should not touch the emergency exit (outside of an emergency).”
Under the current Aviation Security Act, passengers are prohibited from handling aircraft doors, emergency exits, or onboard equipment. Violations can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years. If casualties occur, offenders may face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
In December, Rep. Joo Ho-young of the ruling People Power Party proposed an amendment to the Aviation Security Act to strengthen penalties for endangering passenger safety. The proposal followed a May 2023 incident in which a passenger forcibly opened an Asiana Airlines emergency exit while landing in Daegu.
shinjh@heraldcorp.com
